Stock it comes and goes, but when it's tuned up it's there most of the time and pronounced.

 

The way you describe it running, I would have to say that it sounds like air might me in the fuel lines.
Replace your fuel filters and get someone to check your fuel pressure. I'm not really aware of the air-in-fuel problems particular to this truck, but some of these guys say its a problem because of a "quick connector"? near the fuel pump.
These injectors DO get loud when there starving for fuel, (and i'm sure if theres air) so start with that.

 

Fuel filters?!?

The only one I know of is on top of the engine. Where's the other one?

 

There isn't any others, unless you want to count the pickup screen at the end of the fuel pickup.

 

Well, I thought it would have been as simple as a filter that had never been changed, but I guess not.


Now that I re-read my post, I think was exagerrating a little. Every now and again when I start it, it'll rev like it's supposed to, dip down a almost a little too far, then maintain idle. It still doesn't sound like it's normal self and it takes alot of pedal or maintain what I consider regular acceleration. I can maintain idle, it'll just twitch every now and again when I'm sitting at a light. (not to mention the knocking sound on the left hand side of the block)

As for the IPR o-rings, Cookie could you send me a PM and expand on it in detail?

 

Well boys, I think I may have the answer after many days of frustration.

I went to three Ford dealers who were backed up for atleast two-days and wanted my first born in order to do a simple diagnostic to tell me what was wrong with my X. Long story short, I went to one of the local shops I didn't even know existed and came out great. The mech there charghed me a fair $75 to diagnose and even allowed me to be in the pit while he diagnosed. He took the time to explain everything the diagnostic tool was doing and after about 10 minutes he found the problem. He said I wasn't losing an injector or even the fuel pump! It turned out to be the IPC sensor. It was filled with oil an wasn't reading correctly because of oil seeping into the wires. When starting and even idling, the 7.3 diesel is supposed to maintain ATEAST 500psi to idle. Otherwise you'll have a rough idle, hard starts, and a severe drop in fuel economy like I did. He even went so far as to suggest where to buy the parts so I can save some money on the repair. It turns out that the same plug and wires are used on the chevy 3.1 throttle body intake. It's much cheaper to buy it from a Chevy dealership than a Ford dealership because they will clean you out for the wires alone. Once I get this problem fixed, I'll post back with the results. He's an honest guy that won't take you for a ride like the stealership will. He's also a hell of alot cheaper and uses the same exact tools the dealership uses. (I've seen it myself) Also, from what I've seen in his shop, this guy is more a Ford Powerstroke guy than anything else. So if you're in the Houston area and need a great Ford Diesel mech, this is the guy to do to. PM me if you need info regarding the shop.

 

That is excellent news. I hope it turns out to be the fix.

 

What's an ICP sensor? I didn't see the defination listed anywhere.

Thanks!

 

my truck goes below 500 when idleing but i have no rough idle or sounds, starts great to?? im in the upper 400s.

 

This is what it looks like:


ICP stands for Injection Control Pressure (sensor)

It's to the right of the fuel filter if you're standing in front of the vehicle closer to the intercooler hose.

As for my injection pressure, mine fluctuated so sometimes I'd be just below 500, sometimes much lower.

 

Thanks!

 

Read THIS.

 

As I was leaving the shop yesterday, the mech I spoke with (also happened to be the owner) told me to check an oil resevoir right next to the fuel filter before I started it in the morning. I checked it earlier today and it seemed low to me. He said that the resevoir should be full no matter what and if it's just a little low, to not worry. But I took the allen screw out and I had to look pretty far down the hole before I could see any oil. I just got off the phone with one of the other mechs and he's telling me it could be something else in addition to the ICP sensor. Why would this resevoir be so low?

 

If it's supposed to stay full I would imagine there must be a checkvalve or something similar there somewhere to keep it that way. Maybe that is your problem but I'm really reaching now because I just don't know.

On edit: Could it leak out of the HPOP reservoir via the supply line through an injector oring and into the fuel supply?

 

In relation to the pictures....look down behind the reservoir at the far right, just forward of the lifting eye. You'll see a plug (3/8" square drive I think) almost flush with the surface of the block. The anti-drainback checkball and spring are beneath the plug.